A recent global survey has revealed alarming concerns about the state of the UK’s care workforce, raising urgent questions about care worker pay, staffing shortages, and workplace safety. The study, conducted by Uni Global Union, found that nearly one in five UK care workers feel unsafe while on shift, highlighting the extreme pressures faced by frontline healthcare staff.
The findings were released on the fifth anniversary of COVID-19 being declared a global pandemic, coinciding with warnings from the World Health Organization of a projected shortage of 11 million healthcare workers worldwide by 2030.
Violence, Harassment, and Staffing Shortages in the Care Sector
The Uni Global Union survey, which gathered responses from more than 11,000 health and social care workers across 63 countries, including 2,132 UK-based professionals, painted a troubling picture of the industry’s challenges. Among the key statistics:
- Over a third of respondents globally reported experiencing or witnessing violence or harassment at work at least once a month.
- Less than half of care workers worldwide believed they could sustain their career until retirement.
- In the UK, 700 care workers were surveyed, with two-thirds admitting they were frequently too short-staffed to provide high-quality patient care.
The report also indicated a worrying link between understaffing and workplace violence. Care workers struggling with excessive workloads were found to be at a higher risk of facing harassment and aggression. One mental health care worker in the UK detailed harrowing experiences of being physically assaulted multiple times in a two-week period, suffering serious injuries including whiplash and puncture wounds.
“I struggle to sleep due to anxiety of knowing I have to return at some point,” the worker said. “I get paid £1 more than minimum wage to be assaulted daily. The level of staff turnover is so high they struggle to replace them.”
These findings are further reinforced by a separate survey by the Nursing Times, which found that 90% of nurses and midwives have experienced physical violence in the workplace.
Are Care Workers Being Paid Enough?
The issue of care worker pay remains central to the crisis. Many care workers argue that their wages do not reflect the complexity, emotional toll, and risks associated with their jobs. Despite efforts to attract new staff into the industry, low wages, understaffing, and unsafe conditions continue to drive workers away, exacerbating the staffing crisis. What’s required is a much needed cash boost to underpaid care workers.
Alan Sable, head of care at Uni Global Union, emphasised the core issues contributing to the shortage: “There is no shortage of care workers – there is a shortage of care workers willing to endure low pay, chronic understaffing, and unsafe conditions. Unless we address these factors, the cycle of worker shortages and declining care quality will continue.”
Government Response and the Future of Social Care
The UK government has acknowledged the challenges facing the social care sector and has introduced several measures to address them. These include:
- A £3.7 billion funding boost aimed at improving social care services.
- The installation of 15,000 new support structures to help disabled people live safely and independently.
- A £2,300 increase to carer’s allowance.
Additionally, the Casey Commission, an independent review into adult social care, is set to deliver its first phase of recommendations by mid-2026. The commission aims to lay the groundwork for a National Care Service that prioritises high-quality care and long-term sustainability for care workers and patients alike.
The Workers Union Says…
“Care workers remain the backbone of our nation and the UK’s healthcare system, yet many continue to face unacceptable risks, low wages, and burnout. If urgent action is not taken to address these issues, the crisis in the care sector will only deepen, affecting not just workers but also the vulnerable people who rely on them. The UK must move beyond short-term fixes and implement lasting reforms that ensure fair pay, improved staffing levels, and a safe working environment for all care professionals.”
